Training apparatus

ABSTRACT

Training apparatus that includes a base unit and foot plates moveably arranged on the base unit for movement in opposite directions and in an essentially same plane. The foot plates are adapted to accommodate the feet of a user. A support unit, which is adapted to support at least one of upper extremities or a head region of the user, is rotatable around an axis essentially perpendicular to the same plane. A transmission mechanism is coupled to the foot plates and the support unit so that movement of the foot plates is transformed into rotational movement of the support unit around the axis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a U.S. National Stage Application ofInternational Application No. PCT/EP98/03906 filed Jun. 26, 1998 andclaims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of German Patent Application No.197 27 812.4 filed Jun. 30, 1997.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a training apparatus with a base unit,with foot plates moveably arranged on this base unit to accommodate thefeet of a user, and with a support unit for the upper extremities orhead region of the user.

2. Discussion of Background Information

Training apparatuses of various types are known for personal enduranceor strength training. Training apparatuses designed for leg traininginclude foot plates which accommodate the feet of the user. With the aidof the movable foot plates, the user can simulate a running or climbingmotion. The user typically holds onto a support unit, such as twostationarily arranged grips.

Known training apparatuses of the abovementioned type are designedsolely for the movement of a specific body part, in order to exercisethe muscles of that body part. Thus, only the athletic aspect, namelymuscle training of the user, is emphasized. However, known trainingapparatuses fail to consider those mechanisms of the human body thatform a link between the mind and the body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a training apparatus of theaforementioned type which, by a targeted induced movement of the user,also promotes the endogenous production of endorphins and evens out thenormally uneven distribution of energy and hormones within the body.

Accordingly, the training apparatus of the instant invention includesfoot plates connected to the support unit by a transmission mechanism,such that movement of the foot plates in opposite directions, andessentially within a same plane is forcibly transformed into arotational movement of the support unit about an axis which runs atessentially right angles to this plane.

Here, it is preferred for a contact element, securely fixed to theapparatus, to be arranged between the foot plate and support unit andvertically positionably adjustable into a position that substantiallycorresponds to the position of the user's solar plexus.

A particularly good effect is obtained in that the transformation ofmovement occurs in such a manner that, the upper half of the user's bodycan be rotated in a direction opposite a rotational direction of thelower half of the user's body.

The training apparatus according to the invention takes advantage of theknowledge that specific, trainable movements of the body affect not onlythe physical, but also the mental well-being of the user in a positivemanner, because the endogenous release of endorphins is facilitated anda more parasympathetically emphasized hormonal pattern is induced whichis associated with lowering of the blood pressure and other processeswhich promote holistic relaxation.

The training apparatus according to the invention thus fundamentallydeparts from known training apparatuses which are designed under theconcept of physical fitness, as they are traditionally used in fitnessclubs and the like.

In preferred embodiment of the invention, the contact element isadjustable in height and is preferably heatable.

These measures have the advantage that first, the apparatus may beadapted to different body sizes, and second, enhanced well-being of theuser may be achieved by heating the contact element.

In additional embodiments of the apparatus according to the invention,the support unit is adjustable in height.

This measure has the advantage that the apparatus according to theinvention is adjustable for various body positions. For example, thesupport unit can be arranged at the user's chest height such that theuser can support himself with the hands at chest height against thesupport unit. If, on the other hand, the support unit is arranged atshoulder height, the user can support himself with the forearms and/orthe upper arms and/or the shoulder and/or the neck and/or the headagainst the support unit. Finally, the support unit can be arrangedabove the head of the user such that with upwardly extended arms theuser can grip the support unit with his hands.

In order to enable use of the training apparatus in these variouspositions, the support unit can be provided with differently arrangedand aligned grips and supports which run either at right angles to therotational axis or parallel to the same.

In order to create the rotational movement of the support unit from themovement of the foot plates in opposite directions, it is preferred forthe foot plates to be respectively connected to a segment of a commonbelt such that the belt runs over pulleys and at least one of thepulleys is connected to the rod such that it can be driven.

This measure has the advantage that the aforementioned transmissionmechanism can be produced in a particularly simple and cost-effectivemanner.

Although the training apparatus according to the invention can be usedin different configurations, it is preferred for the axis to runessentially vertically, i.e., with the user in an essentially standingposition.

The present invention is directed to a training apparatus that includesa base unit and foot plates moveably arranged on the base unit formovement in opposite directions and in an essentially same plane. Thefoot plates are adapted to accommodate the feet of a user. A supportunit, which is adapted to support at least one of upper extremities or ahead region of the user, is rotatable around an axis essentiallyperpendicular to the same plane. A transmission mechanism is coupled tothe foot plates and the support unit so that movement of the foot platesis transformed into rotational movement of the support unit around theaxis.

In accordance with a feature of the present invention, a contact elementcan be securely fixed between the base unit and the support unit. Thecontact element may be vertically positionably adjustable to a desiredheight. Further, the desired height can be adapted to correspond to auser's solar plexus. Moreover, the contact element may be heatable.

According to another feature of the instant invention, the transmissionmechanism can be coupled to the foot plates and support element suchthat the support element is adapted to rotate in a direction toward afoot plate which is moving toward the support element. In this manner,the apparatus can be adapted such that rotation of a lower half of theuser's body in one direction results in a rotation of an upper half ofthe user's body in an opposite direction.

According to still another feature of the invention, the support unitcan be vertically positionably adjustable.

Further, the support unit includes at least two grips which are adaptedto be grasped by the user's hands. The at least two grips can beoriented essentially perpendicular to the axis. Further, the at leasttwo grips can be oriented essentially parallel to the axis. Moreover,the at least two grips can include at least four grips, and at least twogrips can be oriented essentially parallel to the axis, and at least twogrips can be oriented essentially perpendicular to the axis. Stillfurther, the support unit may include a support adapted to support atleast one of the shoulder, neck, and head of the user. The at least twogrips and the support may be arranged on a common, closed bar linkage.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, thesupport unit may include a support adapted to support at least one ofthe shoulder, neck, and head of the user.

In accordance with a still further feature of the instant invention, arotatable rod can have a first and second end. The first end may becoupled to the support unit and the second end may be coupled to thebase unit. Further, the rod can include a telescoping rod, whereby adistance between the support element and the base is adjustable.Moreover, the transmission mechanism can include pulleys, and the footplates may be connected to each other with at least a segment of acommon belt. The common belt can be guided over at least one of thepulleys, and the rod can be coupled to at least one of the at least onepulley and another of the pulleys.

According to another feature of the invention, the base unit can includerails. The foot plates may be coupled to and guided on the rails.

According to still another feature of the present invention, the axiscan be essentially vertically oriented.

The present invention is also directed to a training apparatus thatincludes a base unit having rails and foot plates moveably arranged onthe rails for movement in opposite directions and in an essentially sameplane. The foot plates are adapted to accommodate the feet of a user. Asupport unit includes at least two hand grips and is adapted to supportat least one of upper extremities or a head region of the user. Thesupport unit vertically is positionably adjustable and rotatable aroundan axis essentially perpendicular to the same plane. A transmissionmechanism is coupled to the foot plates and the support unit so thatmovement of the foot plates is transformed into rotational movement ofthe support unit around the axis, and a contact element is securelyfixed between the base unit and the support unit. The contact element isvertically positionably adjustable to a desired height.

According to a feature of the instant invention, a telescoping rotatablerod can have a first and second end. The first end may be coupled to thesupport unit and the second end may be coupled to the base unit. Adistance between the support element and the base can be adjustable. Thetransmission mechanism can be coupled to the foot plates and supportelement such that the support element is adapted to rotate in adirection toward a foot plate which is moving toward the supportelement.

In accordance with another feature of the instant invention, the atleast two grips and are arranged on a common, closed bar linkage.

In accordance with yet another feature of the invention, thetransmission mechanism can include pulleys and gears, the foot platesmay be connected to a common belt, and the common belt may be guidedover at least one of the pulleys. The at least one pulley can be coupledto one of the gears for rotatably driving the support element.

Additional advantages arise from the description and the accompanyingdrawings.

It is to be understood that the features described above and to beillustrated below are applicable not only in the combinationrespectively stated, but also in other combinations or alone, withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and areillustrated in more detail in the following description. Shown thereinare the following:

FIG. 1 A side view, partially cut away, of an exemplary embodiment of atraining apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 2 A top view of the base unit of the training apparatus accordingto FIG. 1 in a view along the direction II—II of FIG. 1, enlarged; and

FIG. 3 A further enlargement of a perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a support unit as it can be used with the trainingapparatus according to FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

An overall exemplary embodiment of a training apparatus according to theinvention is depicted as 10 in FIG. 1.

The training apparatus 10 includes a base unit 12, which rests on afloor and which is enclosed by a housing 13. Further, base unit 12transitions into a front covering 14, which is arranged to allow room onboth sides of the base unit 12 for the feet or legs of the user (notshown).

Foot plates 16 a, 16 b are provided on the upper side of the base unit12, and are shown (see, also, FIG. 2) as being displaced against oneanother in the longitudinal direction of the base unit 12.

Within the front covering 14 is centrally located a separation 18 whichis located in the longitudinal axis of the base unit 12. The separation18 and the front covering 14 terminate in a common upper cover 19.

The lower free end of a lower tube 20 is mounted in the base unit 12(see, also, FIG. 2). The lower tube 20 is led through a pivot bearing 21in the upper cover 19 and continues upward with an intermediate tube 22and an upper tube 23. The tubes 20, 22, and 23 form a telescopicarrangement. The telescopic arrangement defines an axis 24, which in theillustrated exemplary embodiment runs vertically.

At the upper end of the upper tube 23 is arranged a support unit 25(see, also, FIG. 3). The support unit 25 can be moved in a verticaldirection on account of the telescopic nature of tubes 20, 22, and 23,as indicated by arrows 26. In FIG. 1 an upper end position of thesupport unit is indicated by 25, and a lower end position is indicatedby 25′. In addition, 25″ indicates that the support unit can also berotated about the axis 24. It is important to note that in everyoperating position, the support unit 25 or 25′ or 25″ is rotationallyrigidly connected to the lower tube 20 such that a rotational movementof the lower tube 20 is transformed into a corresponding rotationalmovement of the support unit 25, 25′, or 25″.

It may also be seen in FIG. 1 that a stationary contact element 27 isprovided on the back side of the front covering 14. The contact element27 is likewise adjustable in height, as indicated by an arrow 28. Forexample, it is shown by 27′ that the contact element 27 can be pusheddownward from the position denoted by solid lines.

The contact element 27 is positioned at a height 29 above the footplates 16 a, 16 b which height is determined such that a user of thetraining apparatus 10 standing with the user's feet on the foot plates16 a, 16 b can support himself on the stationary contact element 27 atthe height of the user's solar plexus, i.e., slightly above the heightof the user's stomach. The contact element 27 can also includefasteners, such as belts or the like.

In FIG. 1 an arrow 30 indicates that the foot plates 16 a, 16 b areslidable in opposite directions in a horizontal plane. This oppositelydirectional movement of the foot plates 16 a, 16 b is forciblytransformed into a rotational movement of the support unit 25, asindicated by an arrow 31.

In order to achieve this transformation of movement, a transmissionmechanism whose particulars are depicted in FIG. 2 is provided in thebase unit 12.

It can be seen that the foot plates 16 a, 16 b run on tracks 38 a, 38 b.In this manner, a linear, opposing movement of the foot plates 16 a, 16b can be achieved, as indicated by arrows 30 in FIG. 2.

In order to synchronize this opposing movement and to simultaneouslyderive a rotational movement therefrom, the foot plates 16 a, 16 b arefirmly connected to the opposing segments of a belt 40. The belt 40 runsover pulleys 41, 42 which are respectively located in the front and rearends of the base unit 12. The belt can be a V-belt or toothed belt; itcan also be substituted by a chain, cable, or other appropriate element.

The front pulley 41 is provided with a first toothed gear 45 whichmeshes with a second toothed gear 46. The second toothed gear 46 issimultaneously constructed as an additional pulley. This second toothedgear conducts a belt 47 which also runs over another pulley 48. Theadditional pulley 48 is rotationally rigidly connected to the lower tube20. Other transmission mechanism configurations may also be used in thiscase.

The transmission mechanism shown in FIG. 2 operates as follows.

When the foot plates 16 a, 16 b are moved in opposite directions in thedirection of the arrows 30 denoted in FIG. 2, the pulley 41 is caused toturn in the counterclockwise direction as indicated by an arrow 50. As aresult, the second toothed gear 46 turns in the clockwise direction asindicated by an arrow 51. This rotation in turn creates the rotation ofanother pulley 48 and of the lower tube 20 to which the pulley isrotationally rigidly connected, as indicated by the arrow 31, also inFIG. 2.

In FIG. 2, a maximum stride length for the foot plates 16 a, 16 b isindicated by 55. The maximum stride length 55 can be approximately 60cm.

Finally, the angle of rotation resulting from the maximum stride length55 is indicated by 56, this angle preferably being approximately 180°.

In the transmission mechanism according to FIG. 2, it is important thatduring a forward movement of the right foot (footplate 16 b) and abackward movement of the left foot (footplate 16 a), the lower tube 20and thus also the support unit 25 are rotated in the clockwisedirection. While the lower half of the body rotates in thecounterclockwise direction, the upper half of the body simultaneouslyrotates in the clockwise direction, i.e., in opposite directions.Between these two body halves, the center part of the body is stabilizedin the direction of rotation by placing the solar plexus against thespatially fixed contact element 27 (FIG. 1).

Finally, FIG. 3 shows a preferred exemplary embodiment of the supportunit 25.

As can be easily seen, projecting from the free end of the upper tube 23on both sides are horizontal arms 60 a, 60 b, which then continue in thehorizontal plane bent at a 90° angle. These arms transition at thatpoint into second arms 61 a, 61 b. The second arms 61 a, 61 b thencontinue upwardly, bent into third arms 62 a, 62 b whose free ends arethen finally connected to a horizontal, fourth arm 63 such that the arms60 through 63 form overall a closed bar linkage.

On the second arms 61 a, 61 b are arranged first horizontal supports orgrips 66 a, 66 b. The third arms 62 a, 62 b, in contrast, are providedwith vertical grips 67 a, 67 b. Finally, the fourth arm 63 bears asecond, horizontal support 68.

With the aid of the support unit 25 according to FIG. 3, the trainingapparatus 10 can be operated in various operating modes.

When the position of the support unit 25 depicted in FIG. 1 by solidlines is adjusted, the horizontal grips 66 a, 66 b are located far abovethe head of the user such that the user extends the arms upward andgrasps the grips 66 a, 66 b with the hands. When the user now “walks” onthe foot plates 16 a, 16 b and simultaneously presses firmly against thecontact element 27 at the height of the user's solar plexus, the lowerhalf of the user's body, namely that part below the rotationally rigidlyheld solar plexus, is respectively rotated in one direction during“walking,” while the upper, upwardly stretched half of the body abovethe solar plexus is rotated in the respectively opposite direction atthe same time with the aid of the transmission mechanism illustrated inFIG. 2.

When the support unit 25 is now moved to a lowered position as indicatedby 25′ in FIG. 1, the user can push upward with his upper body throughthe closed bar linkage according to FIG. 3 and support himself with theforearms or (according to the height adjustment) the upper arms on thesupports 66 a, 66 b. Simultaneously, the user can support himself on theback side with the shoulder, neck, or head on the horizontal support 68.

When the support unit 25″ is placed in a position swiveled forward by180° in a third operating position, the user can extend his arms forwardand grasp the vertical grips 67 a, 67 b with the hands.

In the latter two operating modes mentioned above, both halves of theuser's body are also rotated opposite to one another in the mannerpreviously described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A training apparatus comprising: a base unit;foot plates moveably arranged on said base unit for movement in oppositedirections and in an essentially same plane, wherein said foot platesare adapted to accommodate the feet of a user; a support unit adapted tosupport at least one of upper extremities or a head region of the user,wherein said support unit is rotatable around an axis essentiallyperpendicular to said same plane; and a transmission mechanism coupledto said foot plates and said support unit so that movement of the footplates is transformed into rotational movement of said support unitaround the axis.
 2. The training apparatus in accordance with claim 1,further comprising a contact element securely fixed between said baseunit and said support unit.
 3. The training apparatus in accordance withclaim 2, wherein said contact element is vertically positionablyadjustable to a desired height.
 4. The training apparatus in accordancewith claim 3, wherein the desired height is adapted to correspond to auser's solar plexus.
 5. The training apparatus in accordance with claim2, wherein said contact element is heatable.
 6. The training apparatusin accordance with claim 1, wherein said transmission mechanism iscoupled to said foot plates and support element such that said supportelement is adapted to rotate in a direction toward a foot plate which ismoving toward said support element.
 7. The training apparatus inaccordance with claim 6, wherein said apparatus is adapted such thatrotation of a lower half of the user's body in one direction results ina rotation of an upper half of the user's body in an opposite direction.8. The training apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein saidsupport unit is vertically positionably adjustable.
 9. The trainingapparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said support unitcomprises at least two grips which are adapted to be grasped by theuser's hands.
 10. The training apparatus in accordance with claim 9,wherein said at least two grips are oriented essentially perpendicularto the axis.
 11. The training apparatus in accordance with claim 9,wherein said at least two grips are oriented essentially parallel to theaxis.
 12. The training apparatus in accordance with claim 9, whereinsaid at least two grips comprises at least four grips, wherein at leasttwo grips are oriented essentially parallel to the axis, and wherein atleast two grips are oriented essentially perpendicular to the axis. 13.The training apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein said supportunit comprises a support adapted to support at least one of theshoulder, neck, and head of the user.
 14. A training apparatuscomprising: a base unit; foot plates moveably arranged on said base unitfor movement in opposite directions and in an essentially same plane,wherein said foot plates are adapted to accommodate the feet of a user;a support unit adapted to support at least one of upper extremities or ahead region of the user, wherein said support unit is rotatable aroundan axis essentially perpendicular to said same plane; and a transmissionmechanism coupled to said foot plates and said support unit so thatmovement of the foot plates is transformed into rotational movement ofsaid support unit around the axis, wherein said support unit comprisesat least two grips which are adapted to be grasped by the user's hands,wherein said support unit comprises a support adapted to support atleast one of the shoulder, neck, and head of the user, and wherein saidat least two grips and said support are arranged on a common, closed barlinkage.
 15. The training apparatus in accordance with claim 1, whereinsaid support unit comprises a support adapted to support at least one ofthe shoulder, neck, and head of the user.
 16. A training apparatuscomprising: a base unit; foot plates moveably arranged on said base unitfor movement in opposite directions and in an essentially same plane,wherein said foot plates are adapted to accommodate the feet of a user;a support unit adapted to support at least one of upper extremities or ahead region of the user, wherein said support unit is rotatable aroundan axis essentially perpendicular to said same plane; a transmissionmechanism coupled to said foot plates and said support unit so thatmovement of the foot plates is transformed into rotational movement ofsaid support unit around the axis; and a rotatable rod having a firstand second end, wherein said first end is coupled to said support unitand said second end is coupled to said base unit.
 17. The trainingapparatus in accordance with claim 16, wherein said rod comprises atelescoping rod, whereby a distance between said support element andsaid base is adjustable.
 18. The training apparatus in accordance withclaim 16, wherein said transmission mechanism comprises pulleys, andsaid foot plates are connected to each other with at least a segment ofa common belt, and wherein said common belt is guided over at least oneof said pulleys, and said rod is coupled to at least one of said atleast one pulley and another of said pulleys.
 19. A training apparatuscomprising: a base unit; foot plates moveably arranged on said base unitfor movement in opposite directions and in an essentially same plane,wherein said foot plates are adapted to accommodate the feet of a user;a support unit adapted to support at least one of upper extremities or ahead region of the user, wherein said support unit is rotatable aroundan axis essentially perpendicular to said same plane; and a transmissionmechanism coupled to said foot plates and said support unit so thatmovement of the foot plates is transformed into rotational movement ofsaid support unit around the axis, wherein said base unit comprisesrails, wherein said foot plates are coupled to and guided on said rails.20. The training apparatus in accordance with claim 19, wherein the axisis essentially vertically oriented.
 21. A training apparatus comprising:a base unit having rails; foot plates moveably arranged on said railsfor movement in opposite directions and in an essentially same plane,wherein said foot plates are adapted to accommodate the feet of a user;a support unit comprising at least two hand grips, said support unitadapted to support at least one of upper extremities or a head region ofthe user, wherein said support unit is vertically positionablyadjustable and rotatable around an axis essentially perpendicular tosaid same plane; a transmission mechanism coupled to said foot platesand said support unit so that movement of the foot plates is transformedinto rotational movement of said support unit around the axis; and acontact element securely fixed between said base unit and said supportunit, wherein said contact element is vertically positionably adjustableto a desired height.
 22. The training apparatus in accordance with claim21, further comprising a telescoping rotatable rod having a first andsecond end, wherein said first end is coupled to said support unit andsaid second end is coupled to said base unit, and wherein a distancebetween said support element and said base is adjustable.
 23. Thetraining apparatus in accordance with claim 22, wherein saidtransmission mechanism is coupled to said foot plates and supportelement such that said support element is adapted to rotate in adirection toward a foot plate which is moving toward said supportelement.
 24. The training apparatus in accordance with claim 21, whereinsaid at least two grips are arranged on a common, closed bar linkage.25. The training apparatus in accordance with claim 21, wherein saidtransmission mechanism comprises pulleys and gears, said foot plates areconnected to a common belt, and said common belt is guided over at leastone of the pulleys, and wherein said at least one pulley is coupled toone of said gears for rotatably driving said support element.
 26. Thetraining apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said foot platesare arranged for movement parallel to each other.
 27. The trainingapparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said foot plates arearranged for moving in inverse directions to each other.
 28. Thetraining apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said foot platesare arranged for movement along straight paths.
 29. The trainingapparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said foot plates arearranged for moving in directions opposite along the straight paths.